GUIDE QUESTIONS
(Lectures 1 & 2)
Lecture 1: Introduction
1. What is geology?
2. What are the scales of time and space involved in the study of geology? (Familiarize yourselves
with the geologic time)
3. What are the two main branches of geology? List their ‘sub-branches’ and know their
applications in the study of the Earth.
4. What are the two opposing principles proposed to explain the changes in Earth’s landscapes?
Who proposed them? How do they differ? Which of the two is accepted now and why?
5. When did modern geology start? (For the last two questions, if you’d like to go the extra mile,
read this section in reference [1].)
Lecture 2: The Universe and the Earth
A. Geosphere
1. The Universe [2]
Explain the Big Bang theory. How old is the universe?
2. The Solar System [3]
a. The __(theory)___ states that the bodies of the solar system evolved from an enormous
cloud of gas and dust composed mostly of hydrogen and __________.
b. During the early stages of the solar system’s formation (____ Ga), most matter were
concentrated at the center, eventually forming the ________.
c. The remaining matter formed a flattened disk (the leftovers of the Sun’s formation!). Within
this disk, the ______ formed.
d. What governs the composition of the planets? Explain why the inner planets are terrestrial
and the outer planets are icy.
3. The Earth: Formation
a. Explain the formation of the Earth.
Hint: [i] Accretion (of what?) → [ii] Heating (what are your heat sources?) →
[iii] Differentiation (resulting in Earth’s layered internal structure)
b. How did the Moon form? (forgot to mention, the theory is called “Giant Impact” theory)
4. The Earth: Physical and chemical properties
a. Internal Structure [4]
i. Draw a cross section of the earth and label its layers based on (a) chemical and (b)
mechanical properties. Take note of depth in kilometers.
ii. How were scientists able to know that the Earth is mechanically layered? How does the
method work? (Hint: seismic velocities)
iii. What is the significance of having a liquid outer core?
iv. Differentiate oceanic and continental crust. (Composition, density, thickness, dominant
rock type)
B. Atmosphere
1. Familiarize the composition of Earth’s present atmosphere [5]. How is it different from the early
atmosphere of Earth?
2. The first enduring atmosphere of Earth was produced via what process? What was the general
composition of Earth’s atmosphere during this time?
3. Discuss the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere. How are cyanobacteria significant in changing the
atmosphere’s composition? How is the Banded Iron Formation formed and what does it record?[7]
Geology 11-Jajalla (THW-2)
2nd Sem- AY 2018-2019
C. Oceans
1. How is the formation of our oceans related to the formation of the atmosphere? *
2. What are the two theories explaining the formation of the oceans?
3. Why are the oceans salty? Where are the salts in oceans sourced from? *
*appreciate that the spheres of the earth (biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and geosphere) are
not isolated. They interact.
E. Shape and size [6]
1. What is the size of the Earth?
2. What is the shape of the Earth? (there’s a term for it!) How did we know that it is not a perfect
sphere? Look at the polar and equatorial circumference in [7].
3. How did Eratosthenes calculate the circumference of the Earth? Compare it with the present
value.
F. Large-scale features [8]
1. What is hypsometry?
2. What are the two primary divisions of Earth’s surface? Why the elevation difference? [9]
3. What are the major features of the continents? Explain their distribution.
4. How were we able to map the ocean floor?
5. What are the major features of the ocean floor? Familiarize their distribution.
FIGURES AND SOURCES
[1] ‘Earth Science’ book by Tarbuck and Lutgens. 13 th Edition. p 324-326 (also, we call this book
‘Tarbuck,’ awtsu kay Lutgens)
[2] video: ‘Origins of the Universe 101’ | National Geographic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdPzOWlLrbE&t=177s
[3] video: ‘Solar System 101’ | National Geographic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=libKVRa01L8
[4] Internal structure of the Earth
Take note of depths.
Geology 11-Jajalla (THW-2)
2nd Sem- AY 2018-2019
100
600
2900
5150
6380
For each layer, identify property (e.g. rigid, plastic, liquid etc.)
[5] Composition of Earth’s atmosphere (from Tarbuck p 462).
[6] video: ‘How a single-celled organism almost wiped out life on Earth| TedEd, Anusuya Willis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO2xx-aeZ4w&t=2s
[7] Earth’s vital statistics
Geology 11-Jajalla (THW-2)
2nd Sem- AY 2018-2019
[8] Large scale features of the Earth (figures from Tarbuck)
Distribution of the continents’ major features.
Major features of the ocean basin.
Parts of the continental margin.
[9] video: ‘Why the Earth has two levels’ | MinuteEarth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOv3FGVmRcA
Geology 11-Jajalla (THW-2)
2nd Sem- AY 2018-2019
